Serum Calcium Level at Diagnosis Can Predict Lethal Prostate Cancer Relapse

Abstract

Background/Objectives: The most important prognostic factors in curatively treated prostate cancer are T and N stage, histology, grade group and initial PSA. A recent study found that men with blood calcium levels at the high end of the normal range are over two-and-a-half times more likely to develop fatal prostate cancer than those with lower calcium levels. However, there is limited evidence regarding the prognostic value of calcium levels at the time of prostate cancer diagnosis. We aimed to determine whether a calcium level in the upper range of normal values has any prognostic value in curatively treated prostate cancer. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 84 consecutive patients with prostate cancer who underwent curative-intent radiotherapy—either as primary treatment or adjuvant therapy—using external beam radiotherapy with or without brachytherapy. We analyzed all pertinent prognostic factors that could potentially impact disease-free survival. Results: The study revealed that calcium levels at diagnosis significantly predict disease-free survival, whereas the initial PSA level did not hold prognostic significance—likely due to interference from benign prostatic hyperplasia. Conclusions: If our findings are validated, calcium levels at the time of prostate cancer diagnosis could be incorporated into future predictive and prognostic models.